Stonehenge

Lore & Background

In the universe of Tribes, Stonehenge is a relic of a forgotten age, a massive stone circle standing on a remote world. Its purpose remains unknown, but the structure's durability and strategic location made it a natural focal point for military operations. The open plains surrounding the monument offer little cover, forcing combatants to rely on speed and jetpack mobility to survive. The central stone circle provides a rare source of vertical cover and elevation, allowing players to gain height advantage or hide from enemy fire. The map's design emphasizes long-range engagements and aerial combat, as players ski across the terrain at high speeds while using the stones for brief respite. Over the years, Stonehenge has become a beloved classic, representing the series' signature blend of fast-paced movement and tactical positioning. Despite its ancient appearance, the structure has been reinforced with modern alloys and sensor arrays by various factions, turning it into a de facto fortress. The stones themselves bear scars from countless battles, yet they stand firm, a silent testament to the endless conflicts that rage across the stars.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the plains, carrying the scent of ozone and scorched earth. Kael touched down on the eastern edge of the stone circle, his jetpack whining as it cooled. The enemy flag carrier was a blur of motion, skiing low across the grass, heading for the western exit. Kael raised his spinfusor, leading the target, and fired. The disk arced gracefully, detonating against the carrier's armor, sending him tumbling. The flag clattered to the ground. Kael swooped in, snatched it, and launched himself skyward, the ancient stones watching in silence as another skirmish unfolded beneath their gaze.

Reader's Guide

Stonehenge is a classic Tribes map that epitomizes the series' core gameplay: high-speed skiing, jetpack-assisted verticality, and projectile-based combat. The map consists of a large, flat grassy field with a central stone circle made of several towering monoliths. These stones are the only significant cover on the map, making them vital for both offense and defense—players who ignore them are often easy prey for snipers and disc-jumpers. In Capture the Flag mode, each team's base is located at opposite ends of the map, with the flag positioned near the stone circle. The open terrain means that flag carriers are painfully visible, requiring constant movement and clever use of the stones to break line of sight. The monoliths themselves can be used to dodge incoming fire, set up ambushes, or gain elevation for mid-air spinfusor shots. Advanced players often use the stones to perform wall-jumps and ricochet shots, turning the ancient structure into a deadly tool. Stonehenge is a favorite among veterans for its brutal simplicity and purity of design. It rewards mastery of movement and aim above all else, with little room for camping or hiding. Every engagement is a high-speed duel of reflexes and prediction, making it a true test of a player's skill in the Tribes universe.

Did You Know?

• Stonehenge is one of the few maps to appear in both Tribes 2 and Tribes: Ascend, showcasing its enduring popularity.
• The map's name and design are a direct homage to the real-world Stonehenge monument in England.
• In Tribes 2, the map featured a dynamic weather system that could affect visibility and gameplay.
• The stone circle's geometry has been used by players to perform advanced movement techniques, such as wall-jumps and ricochet shots.